West Mids storm to top after win

WEST Midlands’ ninth fixture, a home tie against Merseyside in the L-Style Division One of the UKDA National League, was brought forward by one week.

- ALAN TOWE

A vital fixture and a must-win game for both as the hosts were fourth in the table with 175 points and their opponents just above them in third with 176 points.

It was not a great start for the hosts as the ladies’ ‘B’ slumped to a 5-1 defeat with Hannah Davies their sole winner, Hannah taking the match award for her 3-1 win over Julie Whelan and 18.02 average. By the end of Saturday’s games, the score was level at 9-9 after adding the men’s ‘B’ 8-4 win to the running score. Top average for the men’s ‘B’ went to Martin Price, his 27.61 average and 4-2 win over Peter Robins earning him the team’s match award.

Going into Sunday's ‘A’ games and with the score level, the ladies’ ‘A’ result of 3-3 had no effect. Top of the ladies’ ‘N’ averages was Evonne Taylor who in her 3-2 win over Jane Robson recorded a 20.18 average. The result now was all down to the men’s ‘A match in which West Midlands men’s ‘A’ emulated the ‘B’ team’s result of 8-4 with Ryan O'Connor their award winner for his 4-1 success against Dave Harnick with a 26,36 average.

The overall result was a 20-16 victory for West Midlands which saw them leap up the table to pole position with 198 points, six more than former leaders Middlesex who dropped to second place. However, being as West Midlands fixture was brought forward, their pole position will possibly only last for one week when the remainder of the fixtures would then be played.

■ In the Sheldon and District Winter League it was their Individual Divisional League Cup finals and, in the Premier League game, champions Langley Arrows made it a superb league and cup double by beating Highwood 9-0.

The final of the division one cup once again saw the divisional champions win, Smithswood Social Club winning 5-4 against Yardley Ex Colts who finished fourth in the division.

The division two title went to Sheldon Marlborough Flights who had a narrow 5-4 victory over Moseley Rugby Club.